Dental Assistant (Orthodontics/Pediatrics)
Listed compensation
$24-$28/hr
The week · per this posting · Monday – Friday
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
At The Smilist, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care in a warm, welcoming, and professional environment. Our team is passionate about creating positive patient experiences and making lives better, one smile at a time. We are looking for a reliable, friendly, and motivated Dental Assistant to join our growing orthodontics and pediatrics team and support our commitment to exceptional patient care.
- Take a Glance at the Role!
- Location: Amherst + West Seneca, NY
- Schedule: Full Time - Monday through Friday - no weekends!
- Pay Range: $24.00-$28.00 per hour
- Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus opportunities for professional growth
What You’ll Do
Help patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their dental visits by addressing their individual concerns and reinforcing trust in their doctor or hygienist.
Prepare patients for treatment and assist doctors and hygienists during dental procedures to ensure efficient, high-quality care.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sterile clinical environment that promotes patient safety and comfort.
- Escort patients to and from the front desk and help ensure a smooth, positive patient experience.
- Prepare and organize instrument trays and treatment rooms for scheduled procedures.
- Monitor operatory supplies, maintain adequate inventory, and assist with ordering and restocking as needed.
- Follow established infection control, sterilization, and office safety protocols.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Dental Assistant
- Prior orthodontics and/or pediatrics experience strongly preferred
- Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, procedures, and infection control protocols.
- Dentrix experience preferred, but not required.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a patient-focused approach
- Ability to work collaboratively with doctors and other team members in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Positive attitude, dependability, and a willingness to learn and grow professionally.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, and more.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
- A supportive, team-orientated work environment.
If you are passionate about patient care, enjoy working as part of a collaborative dental team, and are looking for an opportunity to grow your career, we encourage you to apply and join The Smilist team.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare patients and treatment rooms, assist doctors and hygienists during procedures, and help patients feel comfortable throughout their visits. Maintain a clean and sterile clinical environment, organize instruments, monitor supplies, and support a smooth patient experience.
Qualifications
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Pediatrics Career Context
The cost-of-living index for New York is 107.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$54k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $50k in an average-cost state. 64.6% of New York clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 6.0 / 10 · above average in dental assistant | ranked against 342 Dental Assistant listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | $50k–$58k | Dental Assistant median $105k (middle half $50k–$125k)37 comparable listings, Oct 2026 |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$50k in purchasing power | New York index 107.9 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Dental Assistant listings in New York | 271 active | 5,757 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | New York healthcare professional listings: 29% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 7% offer loan repayment271 active listings, Oct 2026 |
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Dental Assistant (Orthodontics/Pediatrics) at Smilist a 6.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the Above average in Dental Assistant — ranked against 342 active Dental Assistant listings on WeekdayDoc. Contributing factors include no weekend requirements.
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